The Fault in our Stars

Bibliographic Information
Title: The Fault in our Stars
Author: John Green
Type of Media: Book
Publisher: Penguin Group
Copyright Date: January 10, 2012
ISBN: hdbk: 978-0142424179, pbk: 978-0525478812
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Curriculum Ties: Analyzing complex character
Reading Level: Lexile 850
Interest Age: 15-18







Plot Summary
Hazel has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, but with an amazing response to chemo and radiation her parents are determined for her to live as normal a life as possible so they push her to attend a support group where she can meet other teens. At her first meeting she is introduced to Augustus Waters. The pair begin to bond almost instantly and before leaving have swapped their favorite books with a promise to read them. As the two start to let each other into their worlds a beautiful relationship is allowed to unfold.

Critical Evaluation

The character depth and development in this novel is superb. It gives a real glimpse at the layers that make up each and every human being, especially those who find themselves in very difficult circumstances like the one that Hazel and Gus face. Green does an amazing job getting into the mind of a teenage girl and accurately portraying all of the raw emotions of anger, sadness, love, joy, and hope that she wrestles with. Considering that the plotline is not very fast-paced the voice of the characters plays a huge role in keeping readers engaged in the story and never allows you to become bored.

The tone and mood of this novel also deserves recognition. When a plotline revolves around teenagers with a terminal illness you would expect the mood to be grim and tone unbearably sad. Contrary to that believe Green does a great job lightening up the mood while still keeping the seriousness of the characters’ lives intact. Through mood and tone you are able to laugh and cry right along with the characters.

Reader's Annotation
Two teens with cancer and two books that have touched them are the beginning of a insightful relationship. You will laugh and cry at the same time while never wanting to put the book down.

Author Biography
John Green was the 2006 recipient of the Michael L. Printz Award, a 2009 Edgar Award winner, and has twice been a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. In 2007, Green and his brother Hank ceased textual communication and began to talk primarily through videoblogs posted on Youtube. The videos spawned a community of people called nerdfighters who fight for intellectualism and to decrease the overall worldwide level of suck. (Lastufka)

Book Talk Ideas

• Facing the mortality of life/what would you do with your "Make a wish"
• Parent's forcing you into something that ends up changing your life for the better

Possible Challenges

• Language
• Lightened view of terminal illness

Defense File

• Have the library's selection policy and the Library Bill of Rights ready to hand out
• Access to honest reviews from trusted sources
• Know the awards, if any, the book has earned
• Understand the material so you can explain the use of the book as a good talking point for serious and sensitive issues
• A lot of times people just want their concerns heard, so make sure you listen
• If they are still persistent be able to offer them a reconsideration form

Reason for Inclusion

This book was a required material for this semester but the worthiness of being included goes way beyond. When I first heard about this book I thought there is no way I want to read about teens who have cancer. After the constant urging of friends I picked it up and could not put it down. Any item that has that type of power should be included in a collection.


Works Cited
Lastufka, A.(n.a.). John Green's Biography. Retrieved from http://johngreenbooks.com/bio-contact/